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Machines that combine both sewing capabilities with embroidery attributes are some of the most valuable sewing machines available on the market today. The versatility of these models and their ability to work with all different kinds of projects is extremely impressive and will be quite useful to any serious sewer.
We have compiled a list of the most reliable and impressive combination sewing and embroidery machines – read on to learn more about these awesome product options.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Sewing And Embroidery Machine
- OUR TOP PICK: Brother SE400
- RUNNER-UP: SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Brother SE600
Comparison Chart of the Best Sewing and Embroidery Machines
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What Are The Components of These Machines?
There are many moving parts to a sewing and embroidery machine, but here are the most important ones to familiarize yourself with:
Embroidery Hoop/Frame
If you are familiar with embroidery at all, you know the hoop is one of the most important components of the process. The hoop holds the fabric you intend to embroider in one place so that the tension remains steady enough to create fine, even stitching. On embroidery machines, the hoop is mounted to the embroidery arm.
Embroidery Arm and Head
The embroidery arm holds on to the hoop and consistently feeds the fabric to be embroidered through the hoop effectively. The head is the component of the arm that contains the needle bar, the needle, and the thread to do the actual embroidering.
Frame Sash
The frame sash is technically a subcomponent of the embroidery arm, but it is so important we felt it deserved its own separate section. The sash connects the embroidery hoop to the arm and moves the fabric slowly through it to be embroidered.
Characteristics of Our Favorite Models
Okay, you have a better sense of how embroidery machines actually work. But how do you know what separates an effective machine from an ineffective one? Here are the qualities to look out for when looking at combined sewing/embroidery machines:
Versatility
These machines are specifically designed to be able to accomplish pretty much any sewing task you could imagine to throw at them. They should be able to handle it. Look for machines with large levels of built in stitches, thread colors, and font designs.
Automation
The best combination machines of today have almost fully automated features. Keep an eye out for touchscreens, preferably large ones with full color that will walk you through specifically what you need to do in order to accomplish your desired design.
Customer Service
Sewing and embroidering are complicated processes no matter how you slice it. The most high quality machines will come with thorough, detailed instruction manuals, and will also provide access to company support if anything should go wrong or if you have any questions.
Review of the Best Sewing and Embroidery Machines
Now you know not only what embroidery/sewing machines can do, but the best ways in which they do it. It is time to check out some actual products:
Best Overall:
Brother SE400
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers greatly appreciate the size and weight of this model. It is one of the smallest and most lightweight machines out there, so if you need a model that you can take with you on the go, this is the option for you.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It is so convenient to use this machine. It effectively combines both embroidery and sewing capabilities, and the whole thing will take less than a hour to set up right out of the box and get up and going.
Who Will Use This Most
Because this machine is so straightforward and easy to use, it is an excellent option for beginner uses who are looking for ways to combine sewing and embroidery.
Bottom Line
The Brother SE400 is an all around excellent option that impresses us as the best Brother model thanks to its smaller size and convenience features. However, what it provides in size and ease of use it somewhat lacks in durability.
Runner-up:
SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are big fans of the overall aesthetic of this machine. It comes in a funky purple color, which sets it apart from the whites and grays of its competitors, and its touchscreen is large and in full color, which is also a rarity.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We were extremely impressed at the precision level this machine is able to execute when it is stitching, particularly when it is creating embroidery stitches. Plus, it includes six hundred built in stitch options, so there is a lot of versatility with this bad boy.
Who Will Use This Most
Anyone who is looking for a machine that not only can do a lot, but also provides detailed instructions for all of its different stitch types will greatly appreciate this model.
Bottom Line
The SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 is a fantastic product option and our choice for runner-up to best overall thanks to its funky aesthetic, beautiful touchscreen, and incredible levels of precision. The one thing to be aware of with this model is that the walking foot is not designed to be combined in use with the quilting bar.
Best for the Money:
Brother SE600
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers appreciate all of the different ways you can use the touchscreen option on this model. The screen can be used to preview and change your thread colors, move your designs, and place lettering on design arcs.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When we first saw the price tag on this machine, we were thinking there was no way it was a genuine Brother model. It had to be a knockoff, to be available for such a low price. But we would not be more happy to find out it is in fact genuine – and a steal of a deal.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great machine option for those with a wide variety of different embroidering skill levels. If you are new to the hobby, it is accessible and easy to use, and if you are a professional, it is efficient and will serve you well.
Bottom Line
The Brother SE600 is a great product option for anyone looking to save a little bit of money on a quality machine. Keep an eye out, though: some users report that when their machines arrived, they came with instructional manuals that were written only in Spanish.
4. Brother SE425
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers love the versatility this product option offers. Its sixty seven built in sewing stitches include choices of utility, heirloom, quilting, and even decorative stitching, plus it boasts one hundred seventy embroidery designs, one hundred twenty frame pattern combinations, and five different embroidery fonts.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We liked one particular convenience feature on this model. When you are working on a certain type of project, the display screen will actually show you which of the many different sewing feet options would work best with that function. This quality makes this machine particularly accessible to beginners.
Who Will Use This Most
As mentioned above, beginners would love this machine, but it is also an excellent option for advanced and even professional users, thanks to the high quality of work it is able to produce.
Bottom Line
The Brother SE425 is a great product choice primarily because of its massive level of versatility and its ease of use. The only drawback on this model is it can be complicated to align when you are sewing from multiple different patterns.
5. SINGER Legacy SE300
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are extremely pleased with all of the different sewing feet options they receive with this model. These feet include blind hem, all purpose, overcasting, open toes, buttonhole, parallel sewing, satin, zipper, straight stitch, button sewing, patchwork, and embroidery feet.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A unique aspect of this machine is that, when you purchase it, you will also gain access to a free online class on how to effectively use it. It is also quite fast, producing eight hundred sewing stitches per minute and seven hundred embroidery stitches per minute.
Who Will Use This Most
People who are a little intimidated at the thought of using a sewing and embroidery machine can rest easy when they purchase this model, since it is straightforward and easy to learn how to use.
Bottom Line
The SINGER Legacy SE300 is an excellent product option thanks to its multiple sewing feet and its overall ease of use. The only thing that is somewhat complicated with this model is its bobbin winding system.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
If you are still struggling a bit with narrowing down the qualities of all of the different machines in order to find one that would work best for you and what you are seeking, consider the following attributes as particularly important:
Included Accessories
The last thing you are going to want to do after you take all of the time to find a machine that will work well is to have to go right back out and find all of the necessary accessories to make it work. Invest in a machine that comes with feet, needles, and even starter thread so that you can get going right away.
Work Area Size
This factor is heavily dependent on what kind of projects you envision yourself doing on your machine. If you want to do complex projects such as quilting, you will want the largest work area possible. But, if you do not envision quilting in your future, it could be helpful to have a smaller work area to provide room for other projects on your craft table.
Stitching Speed
Again, this is a highly individual decision. Most machines on the market today have highly efficient and speedy stitching speeds. If you want to get your projects done as soon as possible, you should go with one of these machines. If embroidery and sewing are more leisurely activities for you, a fast stitching speed will not be necessary.
Conclusion
Combining sewing machines with embroidery capabilities is one of the most efficient ways to cut down on multiple machines and save you some storage space in your craft closet. But these machines can also be true game changers when it comes to your sewing capabilities. Be sure to find a machine that will fit all of your needs. We promise that you will not be able to go wrong when you choose a model from our list here.